The American University of Beirut, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has opened applications for its Online Graduate Scholarship Program for the Fall 2026–27 academic year. This fully funded initiative is designed to support talented African students in pursuing high-quality online master’s degrees.

The scholarship aims to expand access to advanced education while fostering leadership, community engagement, and professional development across the African continent.

Program Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AUB provides full scholarships for selected online graduate programs, enabling students to access world-class education remotely.

The program targets individuals who demonstrate:

Strong academic potential
Leadership capabilities
Commitment to community impact
Financial need

Through this initiative, scholars gain access not only to academic training but also to a broader ecosystem of leadership development and networking opportunities.

Available Online Master’s Programs

For the Fall 2026–27 intake, the scholarship covers the following online graduate degrees:

Master’s in Engineering Management (Online)
Master’s in Computing in Education (Online)
Master of Business Administration (Online)
Master in Nursing Administration and Management (Online)
Executive Master in Healthcare Leadership (Online)

Each program may have additional admission requirements, and applicants are encouraged to review specific program criteria before applying.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship is fully funded, providing comprehensive support to selected candidates. While specific benefits may vary slightly, the program typically includes:

Full coverage of tuition fees
Access to online learning resources and platforms
Participation in leadership development programs and workshops
Inclusion in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars global network

The program also emphasizes holistic development, combining academic excellence with leadership training and community engagement.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a citizen of an African country
Be 35 years old or younger at the time of application
Demonstrate strong academic performance in previous studies
Show financial need (talent exceeding financial resources)
Exhibit leadership potential and community involvement
Commit to participating in additional training and workshops

Additionally, applicants must demonstrate readiness for English-language university study.

English Language Requirements (RUSE)

Applicants are required to submit proof of English proficiency through the Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) requirement by June 30, 2026.

Accepted tests include:

TOEFL iBT
IELTS (Academic)
GRE (Verbal)
GMAT (Verbal)
Duolingo English Test (DET)

Meeting this requirement is essential for the application to be considered complete.

Application Process

The application process consists of two main steps:

Step 1: Submit Online Application

Complete the AUB online graduate application
Upload all required supporting documents
Deadline: May 18, 2026

Step 2: Submit English Proficiency Scores

Provide RUSE-compliant test scores
Deadline: June 30, 2026

Applicants must complete both steps for their application to be reviewed.

Selection Criteria

The selection process is competitive and holistic, focusing on:

Academic excellence
Leadership potential
Commitment to community development
Alignment with the program’s mission and values

Candidates who demonstrate the ability to create meaningful impact in their communities will be strongly considered.

Why This Scholarship Matters

This scholarship represents a significant opportunity for African students to access high-quality graduate education without financial barriers. By offering online programs, AUB ensures flexibility and accessibility for students who may not be able to relocate.

The initiative contributes to:

Building a new generation of African leaders
Enhancing skills and knowledge across key sectors
Promoting equitable access to education
Strengthening community-driven development

It also aligns with broader efforts to support sustainable development through education and leadership.

Conclusion

The Mastercard Foundation Online Graduate Scholarship at AUB offers a transformative pathway for African students to advance their education and leadership potential. With full financial support, flexible online learning, and a strong emphasis on community impact, the program equips scholars to drive meaningful change across the continent.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all requirements are met before the deadlines.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.